Photo by Albert Vecerka | Esto

What: John W. Olver Design Building
Where: University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Built: 2017
Owner: University of Massachusetts Building Authority 

The 87,573-square-foot John W. Olver Design Building fosters multidisciplinary collaboration by bringing the previously dispersed departments of architecture, building construction technology and landscape architecture & building technology at University of Massachusetts-Amherst. 

In May, the project was one of 10 that received the American Institute of Architects’ Committee on the Environment award for design excellence. 

Designed by Boston-based Leers Weinzapfel Assoc., the $37 million project illustrates UMass’ commitment to sustainable design with its demonstration of emergency wood construction technologies and LEED Gold certification. The largest cross-laminated timber academic building in the U.S., the project effectively removes 2,681 metric tons of carbon from the atmosphere. 

A rooftop courtyard represents an approach to native planting in the New England climate, containing a diverse collection of wild-harvested sods, bare-root plants and young evergreens. The design building’s landscape serves as a test plot for regional plants, monitored by students and faculty of the Department of Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning. 

They Said It: 

“The space is made possible by an innovative wood truss system showing us how to reach beyond the cross-laminated timber systems to make larger spaces. Its courtyard guarantees views and access to campus to everyone within the building and is well integrated into the larger campus.”
— AIA jury member comment